Chivu and Inter eyeing response to 'unfair' Milan derby defeat

Cristian Chivu felt Inter's derby defeat to Milan was "unfair" but is relishing his side's opportunity to respond against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Inter fell to a 1-0 defeat to rivals Milan on Sunday despite dominating much of the match, having 20 shots to their opponents' seven and seeing a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty saved after Christian Pulisic's ultimately decisive goal.

It was the first time on Opta record (since 2004-05) the Nerazzurri had attempted 20 or more shots against Milan in Serie A without scoring.

While the result leaves Inter down in fourth in the league table, three points off leaders Roma, but they have little time to rue their missed chances.

Atletico are up next in Madrid on Wednesday, and Chivu wants his side, who have four wins from four in the Champions League this season, to quickly get back on track.

"The beauty of football is that after a defeat you have the chance to get your revenge and show that sometimes a result can be unfair," Chivu said on Tuesday.

"In the derby, we showed quality, focus, and maturity; we lacked a bit of luck, perhaps clarity in front of goal.

"Tomorrow we have an equally important match ahead of us because it's the Champions League, because we know how difficult it is here, and we want to repeat the good work we've done in recent months."

Atletico have only six points in Europe, but Chivu is wary of the threat Diego Simeone's side pose.

Indeed, Atleti have won 11 of their past 12 home matches in the Champions League, with no team winning more over the past three campaigns.

"Given their prestige and what they've shown under Simeone, they're a team that has the necessary qualities to go as far as possible," Chivu said.

"It's an important match. We've taken 12 points in four games; in the Champions League, you have to deserve everything, there are no easy games. Tomorrow won't be easy either, just like it wasn't in the first four."